ABSTRACT
The key tasks for the therapist are helping each partner understand the process of recovering from addiction and trauma and developing strategies for letting go of the past and focusing on the future that each of them desires. Therapy will focus on: Psychoeducating on recovery from trauma and being in recovery from addiction; Helping couples to communicate their ongoing recovery needs and accept their partner’s with compassion; Encouraging couples to take responsibility for self-care and to continue to get support from others outside of their relationship; Overcoming any residual shame and blame that may hinder their progress; Writing a partnership contract that commits to their individual recovery and supports their partner’s recovery; Understanding and facilitating the journey of self-forgiveness and forgiveness of each other and Helping the person with the addiction to become trustworthy in a way that is meaningful to their partner.
